Football legend Eric Cantona returned this week to the city where he ended his football career to unveil his first foray onto the big screen.

And as he took to the red carpet at the Manchester screening of Looking For Eric, the star was besieged by fans wanting his signature and a photo of their idol.

Some had even turned up wearing the strip of Manchester United – the club which was his home from 1992 to 1997.

Eric, 43, plays himself in the new film, which was directed by Ken Loach. It recounts the story of a postman, also named Eric, who turns to the football icon for inspiration when his life spirals out of control.

"It's a way of sharing with people the wonderful time I had here as a player," said the Frenchman before the film was premiered